Registered Nurse, Labor N Delivery .FTE

Obstetrical Nurse

The Obstetrical Nurse is responsible for the care of the obstetrical patient through all areas of patient care in the hospital setting, including inpatient and outpatient care. She/he must organize, implement and evaluate the patient’s activities. She/he facilitates the operation of the Obstetrical Department through participation, contribution, and cooperation with peers, supervisors, and the Director of Patient Care Services.

Labor and Delivery Nurses are dedicated to OB. Mid Valley Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital therefore OB Nurses are also support staff to the Acute Care Unit and will regularly have a patient assignment in AC.

Other responsibilities may be assigned or delegated by the Department Manager or Director of Patient Care Services.

• Psychosocial needs and perceptions of patient and/or family expectations of present hospitalization are identified and documented.
• Alertness and skill in recognizing and identifying symptoms. Symptoms are recognized and appropriate action taken (e.g. notify delivering physician, offer prn medication, etc.).
• Set priorities and give care based on problem solving needs. Ability to complete work within scheduled time.
• Understands the consequences of nursing action. Activities are carried out safely, correctly, and economically.
• Administer medications.
• Perform blood transfusions.
• Special treatments.
• Provide bedside nursing care.
• Serve meal trays.
• Answer lights and telephones.
• Admit, transfer, and discharge patients.
• Provide and document patient teaching concerning routine hospital procedures and special procedures regarding their condition.
• Be familiar with and having on hand all emergency drugs and supplies. Checks crash carts per p&p.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for all patients.
• Communicates pertinent information to family or significant other when appropriate.
• Mobilizes additional personnel when appropriate.
• Perform the initial assessment of the patient by palpating the abdomen, performing a vaginal examination, and determining fetal position and descent within the first hour of admission. Notify the delivering practitioner.
• Possessing knowledge and skill necessary to administer and monitor IV fluids including Pitocin, MgSO4, and medication to stop labor.
• Explain the fetal monitor to patients, operate the monitor efficiently, document appropriately, and identify signs of fetal distress.
• Obtains vaginal cultures per proper protocol.
• Assist the delivering physician with:
  • Vaginal examination
  • Rupture of membranes
  • Obtaining vaginal cultures
  • External versions
  • Amniocenteses
  • Epidurals
• Prepare for and assist with delivery by:
  • Prepping patient as indicated
  • Circulating for delivery
  • Cleaning instruments and unit
• Recover patients following delivery:
  • Checking fundus
  • Monitor vital signs
  • Checking lochia
  • Helping mother bond with and breastfeed newborn
• Care for the newborn:
  • Apgar scoring and immediate newborn care and vitals
  • Foot printing
  • application
  • Applying eye ointment
  • Vitamin K injection
  • Monitoring vitals
  • Bonding with parents
  • Initiate breastfeeding within first hour after birth for stable infants of mothers desiring to breastfeed
  • All care necessary to monitor and care for newborn – including resuscitation
• Follow procedure and protocol in the instance of a stillborn.
• Accurate and legible documentation completed each shift.
• The skills checklist completed within the first 6 months of employment.
• Computerized charting.
• Interact with other team members to keep them informed of any changes in patient’s condition.
• Check narcotics with each shift change or as procedure dictates.
• Assist in orientation of new employees.
• Receive and record in the appropriate areas of the medical record – all orders from the medical staff.
• Keep the delivering physician informed of the patient’s condition.
• Takes an active part in the hospital-wide quality assurance program in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Reads and initials memos and administrative directives as posted.
• Maintains a well‑stocked and aseptic department by cleaning equipment and replacing supplies and medications.
• Follows the normal chain of command.
• Participate and document continuing…